This is our weekly compilation of bite-sized reviews of newly released songs by our talented music writers. Discover new favorites, read nuanced criticism of the week’s hottest releases, and much more. Who knows, you might walk out of this with a new fave or two. Some of the featured artists include Coco & Breezy, Angel 22, and The Guapos. Follow our playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music.
Coco & Breezy - “Off My Mind (Ft. Sam White)”
Nothing heals the heart like music does, and Coco & Breezy’s new track “Off My Mind” with UK vocalist Sam White serves as a new testament. It’s dedicated to the Afro-Latinas’ father, who passed away two years ago. Upon first listen, it immediately invites the listener to the dancefloor. The fresh track explores elements of house, highlighting meticulous reverbs, percussions, and synths that fit perfectly with the song’s repeating lyrics: “I can’t get you off my mind, no matter what I do.” Moreover, the single’s artwork complements the sweet tribute to their father, showcasing endearing photos of the duo’s late loved one. – Jeanette Hernandez
ANGEL22 - “Anillo”
ANGEL22 have spent the past few months proving its eclecticism by releasing singles that range from perreo-inciting dembow to Avril-like rock. On their latest, the fourpiece take another turn. In a way, “Anillo” is a throwback to TLC and Destiny’s Child-style kiss-off R&B tracks, thanks to ‘90s-like drum programming, and the girls harmonize perfectly with one another. However, their melodies are catchy as hell while delivering everything with attitude and contemporary flavor, which well could blow up massively. With “Anillo,” ANGEL22 explores a classic style and takes it to the future. — Marcos Hassan
The Guapos - "Hey!"
Supergroup The Guapos harkens back to the era of greasers crowding around the jukebox from their entirely analog-recorded ethos to their rocker chic exterior. On “Hey!,” the four-piece—comprised of musicians, producers, and singer-songwriters Adán Jodorowsky, Jay de la Cueva, El David Aguilar, and Leiva—indulge in driving power pop and embody ‘50s rock ‘n’ roll charisma without any pretension. The Guapos splice clean but crunchy riffs with hooky verses to crank out a simple but undeniably catchy garage rock jam. – Nayeli Portillo
Andrés Canalla - “Siguiendo La Luna”
A well-written tale of endless love is unconcerned by genre. Such is the case of Los Fabulosos Cadillacs’ reggae-inflected ballad “Siguiendo La Luna,” which gets a corrido facelift from Mexican punk-turned-acoustic crooner Andrés Canalla. Built on little more than bajo sexto, tuba, and castanets, Canalla’s affected cries amplify the song’s longing for a departed love. The accordion-like synths that close out the song push the whole thing over the top, a reminder that classic formats can still be innovated upon. – Richard Villegas
tlx - “Cuando Todo Se Apague”
Pillowy synth arpeggios open “Cuando Todo Se Apague,” the first tlx song in seven years, and we can already feel a wind of change. Originally from Maracaibo but now split between Buenos Aires and Mexico City, the Venezuelan band preview their upcoming project M.E.N. with a dancefloor smasher only connected to their popular ‘80s-inspired pop rock output by a few chorus-drenched guitar lines and singer Roberto Jimenez’s powerful delivery. They dial into the melancholy of losing a city, a country, or love, but bring it to the club with a euphoric Detroit house beat to dance our sorrows away to. – Cheky
Kike Riccie - “Placatea”
Making his debut with the trap-inspired “Placatea,” Dominican artist Kike Riccie is getting back to twerk basics. It’s a rhythmic and raunchy song fit for a night out doing travesuras. “Placatea” was produced by the well-known Caribbean producers Diego Raposo and Baldera. The music video, directed by Victor Cantisano, reads like a comedic skit featuring a woman who orders the “Placateo 101” DVD and achieves her desired results. With an eccentric personality and obvious dedication to his craft, the DR has a future star on their hands. — Chelsea Quezada
2DEEP feat. KD One & 2livemafia - "TAKATAKA"
One thing we’re sure of is that the Colombian-Ecuadorian DJ and producer 2DEEP knows how to start a party. In his new certified electronic banger “TAKATAKA,” he infuses house and techno elements on top of a menacing guaracha-inspired bass beat that command you to get up on your feet. With the Dominican singer-songwriter KD One’s distinctive high-pitched voice, the hard-hitting EDM track makes for a club anthem that we can already envision in 2DEEP’s next Reggaetonlandia party. – Jeanette Hernandez
Matias Poro - “Tell Me”
Heartbreak can be so painful that expressing those feelings might become difficult to do. Matías Poro gives us a genre-spanning track that exposes big emotions while retaining a cool groove. While the roots of “Tell Me” are firmly on quiet storm R&B, there are elements of trap, bolero, Marc Anthony-style balladry, and ‘90s pop to keep you hooked. With lyrics about trying to make sense of a recent breakup, Poro addresses his feelings in an almost stream-of-consciousness way, effortlessly switching between English and Spanish to explain his pain. “Tell Me” is serene, groovy, and melancholic in the best possible ways. — Marcos Hassan
Karen y los Remedios - “Silencio”
Cumbia futurists Karen y Los Remedios escape the haste and noise of the present in order to tend to the soul on “Silencio.” The latest single and title track comes from their debut album via ZZK Records, due Sep. 8. Here the trio breaks away from the chugging pitched-down cumbias on their Botanas, Vol 15 EP and singles like “Mi Gran Dolor” and submerges themselves in a heady and haunting electro-pop soundscape flecked with singer Ana Karen Barajas’s poetic and existential inner dialogue. – Nayeli Portillo
Classic Park - “Smiley (feat. Asaph Sánchez)”
The vibes are strong on “Smiley,” the latest single from Cholula-based producer Classic Park. Weaving together soulful organ, percolating percussion, psychedelic sax, and otherworldly vocals from Asaph Sánchez, the result is a hypnotic collage of sound and mood. The track was recorded at the legendary Sonic Ranch, and the result is so deliciously immersive the producer sampled himself for a second version called “Smiley (Chopped)” that branches into bouncy hip-hop territory. – Richard Villegas
Supersilverhaze - “Antropoceno”
Less than a year after dropping their debut full-length album, A Pesar de Todo, Mexican threesome Supersilverhaze just announced its upcoming LP and shared the single “Antropoceno.” Produced by Santiago Mijares and the band’s own Patricio González, the song is a lighter twist in Supersilverhaze’s songbook, offering a cleaner sound highlighting the band’s melodic sensibilities and witty lyrics. In a satirical fashion, the band meditates on the collapse of humankind, but their guilt kicks in as they step in front of the mirror and recognize themselves as part of the problem. – Cheky
Mila La Morena - “Caíste del Cielo”
Up-and-coming artist Mila La Morena describes their new song, “Caíste del Cielo,” as “bisexual goth-reggaeton.” With hints of alternative and pop sounds, it’s an ode to the otherworldly person that walks into the room, and you just need to know more about them. Produced by Kailfrn, “Caíste del Cielo” features mesmerizing vocals from Mila with subtle echoes throughout. The Mexican-American sings in English and Spanish and always brings their cultural and queer identities to the forefront. Mila La Morena loves to play in different genres, and they’ve been on a roll with new music every month. — Chelsea Quezada